GTT has developed new applications for the offshore LNG segment, particularly for floating production, storage and offloading units. (Image source: GTT)Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding, member of China state shipbuilding corporation conglomerate, and CMA CGM, a French container transportation and shipping company, have selected engineering company GTT, for the design of cryogenic tanks for nine LNG-fuelled container ships

Of these nine units, the membrane tanks will be built by Hudong-Zhonghua, who will also be in charge of building five vessels, with Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding building the other four.

The deliveries of the nine vessels have been scheduled to be taken place between the end of 2019 and the end of 2020, according to GTT.

According to GTT, this contract is the result of more than four years of development made by the company in this market segment. These sea giants are expected to carry 22,000 containers each, instead of 21,000 containers for the biggest container ships currently in operation.

“GTT will design the LNG fuel tanks, which represent a capacity of 18,600 cu/m per ship. The membrane insulation system Mark III developed by GTT has been chosen for its space optimisation allowing a maximum usage of cargo capacity,” said the company reporting to the press.

Commenting on the order, Philippe Berterottière, chairman and CEO of GTT, said, “It marks the adoption of clean fuels by the container ships' industry.”

GTT looks forward to work with CMA CGM and Hudong-Zhonghua within this revolution, Berterottière added.

GTT an engineering expert in containment systems with cryogenic membranes used to transport and store liquefied gas, particularly LNG. The company designs and provides technologies to equip LNG carriers, floating terminals and multi-gas carriers.